Sri Lanka Name New Faces for Pakistan Test Tour as Kusal Mendis Takes Charge
Sri Lanka have added pace-bowler Eshan Malinga and wicketkeeper-batter Anjala Bandara to their squad for November’s two-Test tour of Pakistan, while bringing left-arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka back into the side. The selections signal a mix of fresh opportunity and experience as Sri Lanka prepare for an important assignment in the World Test Championship (WTC).
The tour will also mark Kusal Mendis’ first Test series as captain. He was appointed to the role after Dhananjaya de Silva stepped down, but de Silva remains part of the squad as an all-rounder. For supporters following cricket team news and making an early series prediction, the leadership change and several selection decisions offer plenty to consider ahead of the opening Test.
First Test Call-Up for Eshan Malinga
Eshan Malinga’s selection is a significant step in his career. The fast-bowler has featured regularly in Sri Lanka’s shorter-format plans, but the Pakistan tour is his first Test call-up. His first-class record provides a useful indication of his potential: across 19 matches, he has taken 44 wickets at an average of 31.15.
Those numbers suggest a bowler with experience in the longer format, even if he has yet to make his Test debut. Pakistan’s conditions will present a different challenge from the limited-overs game, demanding patience, control and the ability to sustain pressure over long spells. Malinga will be competing with several established seamers for a place in the final XI, so his inclusion gives Sri Lanka additional pace-bowling depth rather than guaranteeing an immediate debut.
Anjala Bandara Earns Selection on First-Class Form
At 22, wicketkeeper Anjala Bandara is another notable addition. He replaces Niroshan Dickwella, who had returned to the squad for Sri Lanka’s home Tests against India in August but has not been selected for this tour.
Bandara’s first-class batting record is particularly striking. In 31 matches, he averages 65.85, with seven centuries and seven half-centuries. His highest score is an unbeaten 200, evidence of his ability to build a substantial innings rather than contribute only in short bursts. The tour will be a major test of how his domestic success translates to international cricket, especially if he is asked to bat under pressure in unfamiliar conditions.
His selection also gives Sri Lanka a chance to assess a younger option behind the stumps. Wicketkeepers in Test cricket must balance reliable glovework with the ability to occupy the crease, and Bandara’s batting figures make him an intriguing prospect for the role.
Experience Returns as Squad Changes Take Shape
Dinesh Chandimal is back in the squad after being substituted out of the first Test in Galle because of concussion. His return restores a proven middle-order batter to the group and adds experience to a side that will be adjusting to a new captain. Chandimal’s presence could be especially valuable if Sri Lanka face difficult batting conditions or need to recover from early wickets.
Several players who featured against India have missed out. Openers Lahiru Udara and Kamil Mishara, both involved in the second Test in Colombo, have been dropped, as has all-rounder Sahan Arachchige. Vishwa Fernando is also absent, with Madushanka returning to strengthen the left-arm pace option.
Pathum Nissanka’s place is conditional on fitness clearance. The opener is expected to travel only if he is medically cleared, making his availability one of the key factors to monitor before the first Test. His absence would require Sri Lanka to adjust their opening combination and could affect the balance of the batting order.
Spin and Pace Options for Pakistan Conditions
Sri Lanka’s frontline spin choices include Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha, supported by all-rounder Sonal Dinusha. Dinusha impressed during the series against India, giving the selectors another option who can contribute with both bat and ball. His recent form may strengthen his case for a role, although the final combination will depend on pitch conditions and the balance of the XI.
The pace group features Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara and Asitha Fernando, alongside Malinga and Madushanka. This gives captain Mendis and the team management several combinations to consider. A lively surface could encourage a three-seamer approach, while a slower track may place greater emphasis on spin and all-round flexibility.
For fans weighing up a cricket prediction, Pakistan’s home advantage and the likely conditions will be important considerations, but Sri Lanka’s squad offers a blend of pace, spin and batting depth. The fitness of Nissanka, the impact of Chandimal’s return and whether either new call-up makes the starting XI could all influence the contest.
Two Tests Carry WTC Importance
The series begins in Rawalpindi, where the first Test is scheduled for November 9 to 13. The teams then move to Lahore for the second match from November 17 to 21. Both fixtures count towards the current World Test Championship cycle, adding points-table significance to an already demanding tour.
Sri Lanka are seventh in the standings with a points percentage (PCT) of 33.33, while Pakistan are at the bottom with a PCT of 4.63. Those positions underline the value of the series for both sides: Sri Lanka will be looking to improve their standing, while Pakistan have an opportunity to make up ground on home soil.
Sri Lanka Squad for Pakistan Tests
Kusal Mendis (captain), Pathum Nissanka (subject to fitness clearance), Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, Dhananjaya de Silva, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga.
With a new Test captain, a promising young wicketkeeper and a first-time pace call-up, Sri Lanka’s squad combines continuity with experimentation. The Pakistan tour will show whether those selections can translate into results—and whether the visitors can turn their WTC position into a stronger platform for the remainder of the cycle.
